Voter Registration and Elections Office

The Gwinnett County Voter Registration and Elections Office is located at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, 30046 (in the Town Center shopping center).  For more information, call 678.226.7210.  The mailing address for the office is:  Gwinnett County Voter Registration and Elections, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.  Absentee/Advanced Voting hours are from 9:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Voted ballots may be mailed to the Gwinnett County Elections and Voter Registration Office, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, or personally delivered by the voter to the Elections Office located at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.  If the voter is disabled certain other individuals may return the voted ballot for them, see question #8 below.


Absentee Ballot Status

The Poll Locator provides a web-based search of data extracted from Georgia's statewide database. To check the status of your absentee ballot request, complete the information as requested on the poll locator site and click on submit. Information will be provided regarding your registration status, absentee ballot status along with federal and state representative information. To check on the status of either a request for an absentee ballot or the absentee ballot itself click here.


Important Information for Assisted Living, Nursing Home Staff & Family Members
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions about Absentee Ballot Voting. Please use the hyperlinked questions to navigate to your answer. If you require further information regarding absentee voting not addressed here, please contact Absentee Voting at absentee@gwinnettcounty.com or 678.226.7210.

The following are Frequently Asked Questions about voting by Absentee Ballot.

1. Who can vote absentee ballot by mail?
2. When can I apply for an absentee ballot?
3. When does absentee voting start?
4. How does one obtain an absentee ballot?
5. Can I vote in person prior to the actual election date?
6. Can the voter come to the Elections Office, complete an absentee application, leave the application, and have the ballot mailed?
7. Can a voter that lives inside city limits also vote for the city election at the county office?
8. How do I return my absentee ballot?
9. When are absentee ballots counted?
10. What reasons would my ballot not be counted?
11. Why does a disabled voter have to sign or make a mark on their absentee envelope, the reason they're voting absentee is because of a disability
12. Can a relative of a disabled voter make application for an absentee ballot for the disabled voter?
13. Can a friend of a disabled voter make application for an absentee ballot for the disabled voter?
14. What if the relative is residing temporarily outside Gwinnett County?
15. What if the friend is residing temporarily outside Gwinnett County?
16. What if a child is away at college?
17. Can a ballot be picked up for an individual or someone else?
18. Can a spouse turn in a ballot for his/her spouse?
19. Can an application or ballot be turned in for a spouse that is at work?
20. Can a spouse complete an application for a spouse that is at work, but does not temporarily reside outside of Gwinnett County?
21. Can a relative or spouse complete an application for a disabled voter?
22. Can a relative or spouse turn in a ballot for a disabled voter?
23. Can a spouse or caretaker that is required to stay with a disabled voter also vote absentee?
24. Can a voter that is in the hospital on Election Day vote?
25. Can a voter confined in a hospital outside Gwinnett County have a ballot delivered?
26. Are there deadlines for absentee applications and/or absentee ballots?
27. How do members of the Military or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the Military vote?
28. How do civilians overseas vote?
29. Can a voter that has moved or is planning to move vote absentee?
30. Can applications be faxed to a voter overseas?
31. Can the absentee ballot be sent FedEx?
32. The voter did not receive the ballot that was mailed. Can another be mailed?
33. The voter lost the ballot can another be mailed?
34. The voter made a mistake on the ballot can it be replaced?
35. An absentee voter finds out that he/she will not be out of precinct on Election Day.
36. Can I turn my voted ballot into the polling place to be counted?
37. What are the rules for voting in primary runoffs?

1. Who can vote absentee ballot by mail?

Any registered voter who is eligible to vote in an election may request an absentee ballot by mail up to 180 days preceding the election(s) if they meet any of the following criteria:

NRNo Reason: Not required to provide a reason to vote absentee by mail.
OPOut of Precinct: Required to be absent from my precinct all day on primary or Election Day (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.).
EOElection Official: Perform official acts or duties in connection with the primary or election.
CGCare Giver: Required to give constant care to someone who is physically disabled.
RHReligious Holiday: The date of the primary or election falls on a religious holiday, which I observe.
PSPublic Safety: Required to remain on duty in my place of employment for the protection of the health, life, or safety of the public during the entire time the polls are open and my place of employment is within my precinct.
D*Disabled: Unable to vote in person because of a physical disability.
E*Elderly: 75 years of age or older.
MOS**Military Overseas: Currently on active duty overseas with the U.S. military.
MST**Military Stateside: Currently on active duty stateside with the U.S. military.
OSP**Overseas Permanent: U.S. citizen permanently residing outside the U.S. was last domiciled in Georgia, and I am not domiciled or voting in any other state. (Federal Ballot Only)
OST**

Overseas Temporary: U.S. citizen temporarily residing outside the U.S. (If you are just visiting out of the country, you should mark OP Out of precinct.)



* If you are voting absentee because of a physical disability, or 75 years of age or older you can mark the designated box on the absentee ballot application and you will receive a ballot for all elections for that year. Except in the case of a Presidential Preference Primary, a separate and distinct application must be made for that election. An application must be submitted each year.

** If you are voting absentee because you are in the military, a spouse or dependent of  a member of the military, or a U.S. Citizen residing overseas, you may mark the appropriate box, and you will be mailed ballots for all regular elections that have a federal candidate on the ballot through two general elections.

Return to Top
2. When can I apply for an absentee ballot?

Application for an absentee ballot may not be made until 180 days prior to the election in which voting is desired. Exception: Absent Military Voters and Overseas Voters can apply for an absentee ballot at any time.

Return to Top
3. When does absentee voting start?

Absentee voting in office and by mail starts as soon as the ballots are ready, typically 30 to 45 days prior to an election depending on type of Election, and as soon as possible after the election for the runoff.

Return to Top

4. How does one obtain an absentee ballot?

A completed application must first be received before an absentee ballot is issued.

Please call the Voter Registration and Elections division at 678.226.7210 and request that an application be mailed or faxed to you, or use this form:

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/elections/voter_information/absentee_ballot_app.pdf

Please complete the application and return it in one of three ways:

  • Fax the application to 678.226.7209.
  • Deliver the application to the Elections office.  However, if you are personally delivering your application and the ballots are ready for voting, by law you must vote at that time. The Gwinnett County Elections and Voter Registration office is located at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.
  • Mail the application to: Gwinnett County Voter Registration and Elections Division, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.
Return to Top

5. Can I vote in person prior to the actual election date?

Absentee/Early/Satellite Advanced Voting: Georgia voters no longer need a reason for voting prior to election day. Any registered voter who is eligible to vote in an election(s) is welcome to vote prior to election day in one of the following three ways.

Absentee voting by mail: voters must complete an application and mail or fax to the elections office. Ballots are available approximately 45 days prior to regular elections. GENERALLY, BALLOTS MAY NOT REMOVED FROM THE ELECTIONS OFFICE,

Early voting in person: early voting requires voters to complete an application, provide identification and vote the same day, if ballots are available.

ABSENTEE AND EARLY VOTING IS ONLY CONDUCTED AT THE ELECTIONS OFFICE LOCATED AT 455 GRAYSON HWY, STE 200, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. VOTING HOURS ARE 9A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.

Satellite Advanced voting; is conducted the Monday through Friday of the week immediately preceding election day, at the following locations, dates and times ONLY.

THERE IS ABSOLUTLEY NO TYPE OF VOTING ON THE MONDAY BEFORE ELECTION DAY ON TUESDAY.

Advanced Voting will also be held at the following satellite sites from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.:

Centerville Community Center
3025 Bethany Church Road
Snellville, GA 30039
Dacula Activity Building
2735 Old Auburn Road
Dacula, GA 30019
George Pierce Community Center
55 Buford Highway
Suwanee, GA 30024
Lucky Shoals Community Center
4651 Britt Road
Norcross, GA 30093

** LUCKY SHOALS DETOUR FOR JULY 12-16**

You can access Lucky Shoals Park from Old Norcross Tucker Road/Britt Road

From Singleton (which turns into) / S Norcross Tucker Rd take Old Norcross Tucker Rd; turn left on Britt Road.

OR

From Lawrenceville Hwy to Old Norcross Tucker Rd; turn right on Britt Road.


The satellite sites will be open for the following two (2) elections:

General Primary
July 12 – July 16, 2010
General Election
Oct. 25 – 29, 2010

Satellite Advanced Voting locations will not be open during any runoff election.

Return to Top

6. Can the voter come to the Elections Office, complete an absentee application, leave the application, and have the ballot mailed?

Before the ballots are ready and not more than 180 days before an election, unless the voter is a military or overseas voter: An application may be completed in office, and a ballot will be mailed when the ballots are ready.

After the ballots are ready, and the absentee office has started voting in office: Anyone turning in his or her own application must, by law, vote in the office at that time. However, the voter may take an application, and mail or fax it back to the Absentee Office, and not vote in office.

The Gwinnett County Elections and Voter Registration office is located at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, in Lawrenceville.

Return to Top

7. Can a voter that lives inside city limits also vote for the city election at the county office?

No, Currently Gwinnett County does not conduct city elections. Contact the city hall regarding absentee voting for the city.

Return to Top

8. How do I return my absentee ballot?

Once received, the absentee ballot should be voted per the instructions and returned in one of three ways:

  • United States post office mail to: Gwinnett County Voter Registration and Elections, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.
  • Personally delivered, meaning the voter to whom the ballot was mailed and who voted the ballot may deliver the ballot to the Gwinnett County Voter Registration and Elections Division located at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
  • For a voter who is disabled, an adult relative or an adult individual residing in the household of the disabled elector may return the ballot to the Elections Office located at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

At no time may voted ballots be personally delivered to the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center located at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

Return to Top

9. When are absentee ballots counted?

All absentee ballots are counted on Election Day at the Gwinnett County Voter Registration and Elections Office. If for some reason your ballot is not counted, you will be notified by first class mail.

Return to Top

10. What reasons would my ballot not be counted?

· Required Information is missing
· Signature (or mark) of voter is missing or does not match registration records 
· Oath of Voter is missing or incomplete;
· Ballot received after 7:00pm on Election Day
· For first time voters who registered to vote by mail and have not previously provided id, no copy of identification provided by 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday following Election Day.

Return to Top

11. Why does a disabled voter have to sign or make a mark on their absentee envelope, the reason they’re voting absentee is because of a disability?

Georgia law requires that the voter must make a mark if they cannot sign because they are acknowledging an oath. If the disabled voter has not acknowledged the oath with their mark or signature, the ballot is rejected. In addition, this security feature ensures that the voter has either read or had the oath read to them, by the person assisting them. Disabled or elderly voters may be asked to update to their registration record to ensure the latest signature is on file.

A Power of Attorney is not valid for the purpose of voting.

Return to Top

12. Can a relative of a disabled voter make application for an absentee ballot for the disabled voter?

Upon satisfactory proof of relationship, an adult relative of a disabled voter residing inside the county may make application for absentee ballot for the disabled voter.   The disabled box on the application must be checked, and the relative making application must sign the application appropriately. A friend may not apply for an absentee ballot for a disabled friend.

Return to Top

13. Can a friend of a disabled voter make application for an absentee ballot for the disabled voter?

A friend may not apply for an absentee ballot on behalf of a disabled friend. However, they may assist in completing and returning the application.

Return to Top

14. What if the relative is residing temporarily outside Gwinnett County?

Upon satisfactory proof of relationship an adult relative of a person that is residing temporarily outside Gwinnett County may apply for absentee ballot on behalf of the voter. However, the oath must be completed listing the relationship to the voter and verifying that the application is for a relative that is residing temporarily out of the County.

Return to Top

15. What if the friend is residing temporarily outside Gwinnett County?

A friend may not apply for absentee ballot for another friend.

Return to Top

16. What if a child is away at college?

Upon satisfactory proof of relationship, an adult relative may complete an application for a voter that is temporarily residing outside of Gwinnett County. However, the oath must be completed and signed by the relative. Or the college student can download the application from www.gwinnettcounty.com, or the Elections office can fax or mail an application to the college student. The application can be returned by mail or fax.

Return to Top

17. Can a ballot be picked up for an individual or someone else?

No. Ballots must be mailed or voted in office. However, if a voter is unexpectedly admitted to the hospital with-in the five-day period before the election. Then a relative may come to the Absentee Office, complete paperwork, and be deputized to deliver and return the ballot for tabulation.

Return to Top

18. Can a spouse turn in a ballot for his/her spouse?

Only if the ballot belongs to a disabled voter.

Return to Top

19. Can an application or ballot be turned in for a spouse that is at work?

A spouse cannot turn in an application for a spouse that is at work, unless that spouse is temporarily residing outside Gwinnett County or is disabled, and the application for absentee ballot is appropriately completed and signed. 

A voted ballot cannot be turned in for a spouse unless that spouse is disabled.

Return to Top

20. Can a spouse complete an application for a spouse that is at work, but does not temporarily reside outside of Gwinnett County?

No. A relative cannot complete an application for a voter unless the voter is temporarily residing outside of Gwinnett County or is a disabled voter.

Return to Top

21. Can a relative or spouse complete an application for a disabled voter?

Upon satisfactory proof of relationship an adult relative of a disabled voter may complete an application for the disabled voter. The relative completing the application must complete and sign the application, listing the relationship to the voter.

Return to Top

22. Can a relative or spouse turn in a ballot for a disabled voter?

A disabled voter's adult relative, or an adult individual living in the same household of the disabled elector may bring in a disabled voter's ballot to the Elections Office at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, Ga.

Return to Top
23. Can a spouse or caretaker that is required to stay with a disabled voter also vote absentee?

Yes. If a voter gives constant care to a disabled voter and has no one to stay with the disabled voter, the voter can also vote absentee.

Return to Top

24. Can a voter that is in the hospital on Election Day vote?

Voters who are confined to a hospital unexpectedly, may vote by absentee ballot one of two ways. (1)The voter may have an adult relative come to the elections office and be deputized so that they can deliver the ballot to the voter at the hospital and return the voted ballot to the elections office. (2)The voter may also submit an application by mail or fax using the reason "Disabled" to request the ballot be mailed to the hospital if time permits; we cannot guarantee the mail delivery and return of any ballot by mail. The voted ballot of a disabled voter may be returned by an adult relative or an adult individual who is residing in the same household as the voter. This is the only time a voted ballot may be returned by someone other than the voter. All voted ballots must be received by the elections office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. 

Return to Top

25. Can a voter confined in a hospital outside Gwinnett County have a ballot delivered?

A voter unexpectedly admitted to a hospital within the five-day period immediately preceding the Election may have an adult relative pick up and deliver a ballot to the hospital.   The relative must come into the elections office, complete paperwork, and be deputized, before delivering the ballot.

Return to Top

26. Are there deadlines for absentee applications and/or absentee ballots?

The last day for the Elections Office to receive absentee applications is the Friday before the election. The last day ballots are mailed is also the Friday before the election. Any application received after the mail has been picked up by the US Postal Service the Friday before the election will be rejected. All applications will be processed in the order received. The Elections Office will process as many of the applications as possible until the mail is picked up on that Friday. There is usually a two-day turn around time for processing, meaning the Elections Office needs to have received the application by the Wednesday before election day in order for the voter to have sufficient time to receive, vote and return the ballot.

The Elections Office does not recommend trying to vote by mail the week prior to the election. Ballots cannot be guaranteed for delivery once processed. Any ballot received back in the Absentee Office after 7:00 p.m. Election Day will not be counted, regardless of when the ballot was mailed or postmarked. (Except Military and Overseas voters that qualify under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Voting Act may have ballots received through the Friday after the Election if the ballot is postmarked by Election Day.)

Voters may return their own voted ballots to the Elections Office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Night for tabulation. Ballots may not be accepted at polling locations or satellite advanced locations for tabulation.

The last day to vote in office is the Friday before an election. There is no voting in the Elections Office on the Monday before the election or on Election Day.

Return to Top

27. How do members of the Military or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the Military vote?

Obtain a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). An FPCA form is provided by federal law to permit members of the U.S. armed forces and merchant marines, and their dependents to vote early by mail and, if necessary to register vote. FPCA'S may be obtained by eligible voters from voting assistance officers within their branch of service, from a U.S. consulate or embassy, or from the Federal Voting Assistance Program of the Department of Defense, Washington, D.C.20301, 1-(800)-438-VOTE (8683) and downloaded from fvap.gov.

Return to Top
28. How do civilians overseas vote?

Obtain a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). An FPCA form is provided by federal law to permit U.S. citizens that are permanently or temporarily residing in a country outside the United States to vote early by mail and, if necessary to register to vote. FPCA'S may be obtained by eligible voters from voting assistance officers within their branch of service, from a U.S. consulate or embassy, or from the Federal Voting Assistance Program of the Department of Defense, Washington, D.C.20301, 1-(800)-438-VOTE (8683) and downloaded from fvap.gov.

Return to Top
29. Can a voter that has moved or is planning to move vote absentee?
  • Unless the voter is disabled, a ballot cannot be mailed to a different address inside Gwinnett County unless it is listed on the registration record. Therefore, if the voter has a new Gwinnett County address not listed on the registration record, a ballot cannot be mailed to the voter's new address.
  • If the voter moved outside Gwinnett County but within the State of Georgia before the registration cut-off, and does not register to vote in the new county, the voter is not eligible to vote.
  • If the voter moved within Gwinnett County after the registration cut-off, a change of address must be completed before allowing the voter to vote using the old address.
  • If the voter moved within Gwinnett County before the registration cut-off, and a change of address is completed before the deadline, a voter may vote using the new address.
  • It is not legal to make a change of address until the voter has actually moved.
Return to Top

30. Can applications be faxed to voter overseas?

Yes. An application can be electronically sent to a military or overseas citizen. The voter may also fax a request for an absentee ballot and list the following:

WHICH ELECTION
IF PRIMARY, LIST PARTY
REASON (must be one of the reasons listed on the regular absentee ballot application, if applicable)
NAME AND ADDRESS AS REGISTERED
DATE OF BIRTH
ADDRESS TO SEND BALLOT TO
SIGNATURE OF VOTER

Return to Top

31. Can the absentee ballot be sent FedEx?

If the voter pays the shipping charges, the absentee office will FedEx or Express Mail the voters ballot if there is enough time to do so before any deadlines. The voter may bring or send a prepaid FedEx (or overnight mail envelope) to the absentee office, or provide the account number to bill the charges to. Paying for expedited mail does not expedite the regular processing of the voter's application. The application will be processed in the same manner as all other applications received at the same time.

Return to Top

32. The voter did not receive the ballot that was mailed. Can another be mailed?

If the ballot has not been received by the voter in a reasonable amount of time, the voter can sign a form stating that the original ballot was not received, and request another ballot to be sent. The form can be mailed or faxed. If the voter comes into the office no later than the Friday before Election Day to sign the form, the voter can vote in office immediately.

The last day to vote in office is the Friday before an Election.  There is no voting in the Elections office on the Monday before the Election or on Election Day.

Return to Top

33. The voter lost the ballot can another be mailed?

If the voter lost the ballot, the voter can sign a form stating that the original ballot was lost, and request another ballot to be sent. The form can be mailed or faxed. If the voter comes into the office no later than the Friday before Election Day to sign the form, the voter can vote in office immediately.

The last day to vote in office is the Friday before an Election.  There is no voting in the Elections office on the Monday before the Election or on Election Day.

Return to Top
34. The voter made a mistake on the ballot can it be replaced?

The voter must return the spoiled ballot to the absentee office before a replacement can be provided.

  • If the ballot is mailed back to the absentee office, both the yellow oath envelope and the ballot must be clearly marked "voided".
  • If the ballot is voided, mailed back, and indication is made that the voter wants another ballot mailed, a ballot will be mailed.
  • If the voter brings the ballot into the absentee office before Election Day, another ballot will be issued and the voter will vote immediately in the office.
  • The voter may turn the spoiled ballot into the voting poll on Election Day, and vote at the poll.

The last day to vote in office is the Friday before an Election.  There is no voting in the Elections office on the Monday before the Election or on Election Day.

Return to Top

35. An absentee voter finds out that he/she will not be out of precinct on Election Day, and desires to vote at his/her polling place. . .
  • If the ballot has not been mailed back; the voter may take the absentee ballot to his/her voting poll on Election Day, turn the ballot in to the poll manager and vote in person at the poll.
  • If the ballot has been mailed and the ballot has not been received at the Absentee Voting Office; the voter may come to the absentee office at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, Ga, sign an absentee ballot cancellation form, and receive an affidavit to take to the poll so that the voter can vote in person at the poll.
  • If the ballot has been received in the Absentee Voting Office; the ballot can not be canceled.
Return to Top
36. Can I turn my voted ballot into the polling place to be counted?

No. All voted absentee ballots must be returned to the Absentee Office for tabulation. Any absentee ballot turned in at the polling place will be rejected.

Return to Top

37. What are the rules for voting in primary runoffs?
  • If Democratic is voted in the general primary, Democratic must be voted in the Runoff.
  • If Republican is voted in the general primary, Republican must be voted in the Runoff.
  • If the voter did not vote in the general primary or voted non-partisan, the voter may choose either party in the Runoff.
Return to Top